Spec-trac

ABSTRACT

Spec-Trac is a computerized specimen rack storage system. The main focal point of the invention is the computerized storage racks that allows the user to scan barcode labeled specimens and place them in the rack as directed by the computer, using LED, proximity switches and computer technology. In addition the rack&#39;s are stored in refrigeration/freezer units that connect the racks to a network and allow the racks to synchronize its database with the main storage server, using standard network wired or wireless technology. Specimen retrieval can occur at the computerized rack, individual storage units, or the main database server.

Spec-Trac consists of the following major functional parts: refrigeration/freezer units with network switches, computerized storage racks, main database server, wired or wireless interfaces to the computerized storage racks, laser barcode readers, and computerized rack keypads.

Main refrigeration/freezer units will house the computerized storage racks that contain its local inventory and provide a means to synchronize the local inventory storage unit, by connecting each computerized storage rack to the main database server via a network switch and network cabling. This provides redundant paths to access specimen data. Each refrigeration/freezer unit will contain a keypad, and scanner on the door, to access specimens located within it's local unit. When a rack(s) is removed from a storage unit the data on the rack(s) will be deleted from the main database server as soon as the specimens are dumped and connectivity is reestablished In addition multiple refrigeration/freezer units can be connected via a local area network wired or wireless. In the absence of a local area network the units can be linked via CAT5/locally installed network switches, within each refrigerator/freezer unit, that in turn will connect each unit to the primary database server.

The computerized storage racks, have the following features, (side) external power supply plug-in, RJ45 connection for networking, embedded wireless network card, multiple USB connections for an external laser reader, an external keypad, LED's and Proximity switches. Each rack will have illumination for specimen retrieval and placement. Each rack will contain current computer technology that allows local storage of all inventory information, and a network (RJ45 connection) or wireless interface back to the main database server.

The user will place specimens into the rack via the laser reader. When placing specimens the user will read the barcode, and the next available slot LED will illuminate. If multiple samples exist with the same tracking number, they can be placed by reading each subsequent specimen. To retrieve a specimen the user will enter at least the last five digits of the tracking number. If specimens exist the corresponding LED(s) will light in a blinking fashion. At the beginning of each use the rack can be emptied, this will blank out the local storage when the proximity switches reset. The local database will synchronize with the main database server once connectivity is reestablished.

Main database server can be connected to each of the storage units via a wired network/switching, or wireless interface via wireless access points. The purpose of the main server is to retrieve specimens across multiple refrigeration/freezer units. The server removes a single point of data loss, and performs other specimen management functionality. Those functions being, but not limited to, assigning racks/storage units to individual areas in a laboratory (Chemistry, Hematology, etc . . . ). Each rack, and each refrigeration unit will have a unique software identifier that is used to tie the racks, and units to individual laboratory sections. The server will also be used to push firmware updates to racks, and storage units.

TITLE OF INVENTION

Spec-Trac is a barcode decentralized/centralized specimen tracking system designed for small to medium size laboratories. The inventor is Charles Holley, U.S. citizen, and reside at 105 Lassen Lane, Milford, Pa. 18337.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Not Applicable.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable.

REFERENCE TO SEQUENCE LISTING, A TABLE OR A COMPUTER PROGRAM LISTING COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

Spec-trac is designed to assist laboratory professionals, most commonly in a hospital setting, electronically track barcoded specimens in a decentralized/centralized fashion.

The Current state of the technology in a hospital setting remains manual. Today barcoded specimens are commonly placed in racks using manual numbering schemes that correspond to the last digit in the barcode. This lends itself to wasting rack space, lost specimens, due to human error, and inefficient specimen retrivial.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Spec-trac is a barcode specimen tracking system, designed to allow decentralized specimen placement and retrieval. This system can be used for a variety of specimens, the only requirement is that the specimen is barcoded, and readable via a scanner.

Thru the merging of existing technologies, Spec-Trac will allow Laboratory professionals to place specimens into racks scanned by a laser scanner and retrieved via a keypad/keyboard. In addition the information stored in decentralized racks can download its inventory when the racks are returned to the storage units, and or communicate with the main database server via a wireless or wired technology.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 01 is a front view of the storage unit with it's laser reader, keypad, display, and QA graph.

FIG. 02 is a rear view of the storage unit with it's Network switch, and Power strip on the main storage unit.

FIG. 03 is a front view of the storage unit with the doors removed to display the shelves for the computerized storage racks and the cable management.

FIG. 04 is a bottom view of the computerized storage rack, displaying the proximity sensor, LED locations, and printed circuit boards.

FIG. 05 is a top view of the computerized storage racks displaying the specimen slots, and LED displays.

FIG. 06 is a cross section view of the rack, that outlines the LED's, proximity sensors, CAT 5 connection, USB connection, and computer compartment/relay board enclosure.

FIG. 07 is a display of the main server it's connection to the other major components (PC based technology)

DETAIL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to the drawings, in which similar or corresponding parts are identified s and more particularly to FIG. 01. FIG. 01 displays item 01 indicates the primary storage unit. Item 02 indicates the QA graph associated with all laboratories refrigeration. Bear in mind the primary storage unit can be double or triple door units. The limitation is only limited by current refrigeration standards. Item 03 indicate the USB connection used for laser reader or backup keypad in case the primary fails.

FIG. 02 show existing Refrigeration (Primary storage unit) from the rear. Item 05 represents the power strip using current technology to provide power to each of the computerized specimen racks. Item 06 indicate the placement of a network switch which is used to provide connectivity between the computerized specimen racks and the primary database server.

FIG. 03 show a three dimensional view of the inside of the primary storage unit minus the cabling and front door. Item 01 is the refrigeration unit (Primary storage unit) these can be either refrigeration or freezer units. Item 07A represent the cabling arm used for cable management within the primary storage unit. The power and CAT 5 cabling will be run along these arms. Item 07B represents the rails used by the shelving to allow the shelves to pull out. Item 08 show a computerize specimen rack residing on one of the pull out shelves in the primary storage unit. Item 09 represent the control device enclosure that houses the printed circuit boards for relaying and computer components.

FIG. 04 show the a bottom view of the computerized specimen rack. Item 11 shows the proximity sensors embedded under each rack slot. Item 13 indicates the LED lamps adjacent to the proximity sensors used for slot illumination as a visual queue to the clinician.

FIG. 05 shows a top view of the computerized specimen rack. Item 08 indicates the general dimension of the computerized rack. Item 09 indicate the control device enclosure with contains the proximity sensors, LED's in serial, wiring, relay boards, and computer. Item 11 indicates the proximity sensors within each slot of the rack. Item 16 indicate the top of the racks retaining clips. This allows the top of the rack to be removed for cleaning. Item 17 indicates the compartment for printed circuit board for relaying and computer components.

FIG. 06 shows a cross section of the computerized specimen rack. Item 03 shows the USB connections used for the laser reader and keypad. Item 08 indicates the general computerized specimen rack. Item 09 shows the compartment used for printed circuit boards for relaying, and computer components. Item 10 is the bottom cover for the electronic components of the computerized specimen rack. This cover is water and airtight. Item 11 show a cross sectional view of the proximity sensor that lies at the bottom of each slot in the rack. Item 13 shows the cross section of the LED/signal lamps used to provide a visual indicator to the user, which slot to place or remove a specimen from. Item 14 is the socket that holds the signal lamp. Item 15 is a signal lamp retainer. Item 16 is the top of the computerized specimen rack retaining clip in cross section. Item 17 show one of the circuit board attached within the control device enclosure. Item 18 is the specimen slot in the rack in cross section. Item 19 is the illumination cavity used to the to convey the LED light to the top of the rack, which in turn provides the visual queue to the clinician for next available slot for specimen placement or specimen retrieval.

FIG. 07 shows a schematic view of the major network functional component involved. Item 20 shows the Main database server used as the primary database for computerized rack inventory. This also provides a redundant inventory, because in addition to the primary database each rack will contain it's local storage. Item 21 indicate a computer at a workstation that will run a client to allow communication back to the primary database. In addition, but not displayed the computerized storage racks are also located at the workstation and as described above can have real time connectivity to the primary database or synchronize once placed back in the primary storage unit at the end of it's active use. Item 22 show the CAT 5 network connectivity between the major components. This connectivity is not limited to a wired configuration. All major components can use wireless technology if the organization in question can accommodate it. 

1. Spec-Trac storage system contains the following components, computerized storage racks, that can connect to a network. Storage racks communicate back to a main database server using standard wired or wireless networking technology. The refrigeration/freezer storage units store the racks while not being actively used, utilizing CAT5 and RJ45 connections back to an on-board switch that connects to a Local Area Network using standard wired, or wireless network technology. The main database storage server will utilize standard computing technology (wired or wireless) to communicate, and store specimen location information within the racks. In addition each storage unit will contain an adequate power stripe to power each computerized rack stored in the refrigeration/freezer units. See FIG. (01, 02, 03, 04, 07)
 2. Networked computerized specimen racks will allow users to readily store barcode specimens: FIG. (03, 04, 05) a. Each slot in the rack will have a corresponding LED and Proximity switch. The LED's will be wired in parallel, connected to a relay boards that, communicates with and is controlled by existing computer technology. Using existing technology, a barcode reader connected to the rack using a standard USB connector, will scan a barcode, the system will light the LED corresponding to the next available slot in the rack, which directs the user to place the specimen in the illuminated slot. The Proximity switch will allow the computer to determine slot availability. b. The on board computer will store the barcode number and slot position. If the rack is connected to a network at the work area via a RJ45 connection or wireless interface, it will communicate that information to the main database server real-time. If not connected to a network, the on board computer will synchronize with the main database server, once the rack is returned to the storage unit, and connected via a RJ45 network connection. c. The Racks will have unique internal slot identification numbers, each rack will have a unique IP address, and each rack will be assigned to specific organization section (i.e. chemistry, or Hematology department). The racks will be assigned to specific storage units, but not specific shelves within the storage unit.
 3. Spec-Trac will allow users to quickly retrieve specimens from the system from multiple access points. FIG. (01 thru 07) a. When the computerized racks are deployed in a work area the user will be able to retrieve specimens utilizing a keypad attached to the rack via a standard USB connector. By keying in a partial or whole barcode number, the on board computer will light the LED(s) that correspond to the number entered. b. Using a software client that communicates with the main database server, via a standard PC, a user can enter a partial or whole barcode number at a workstation, and the corresponding LED(s) will light across multiple racks. c. When a specimen(s) is removed from a rack(s) the proximity switch at the bottom of each rack will reset the slot to an open or available status.
 4. Spec-Trac will allow for efficient database storage and maintenance. FIG. 07 a. When a rack is removed from a storage unit, all the user has to do is dump the samples out of the rack; the proximity switch will reset the slots to an open or available status and purge the barcodes associated with the corresponding slots. b. When the rack is either connected to a LAN using an RJ45 connection or returned to the storage unit (refrigerator) at the end of use, the rack will synchronize with the main database server. c. Each rack will contain a local database, and the main database server will contain a duplicate copy of that data for redundancy. d. When wireless interface cards are used, the racks will update the main database server real-time when the specimens are removed or added. e. When specimen(s) is retrieved from a rack, and need to be returned the user must scan the specimen again to return it to a rack.
 5. Spec-Trac will allow users to decontaminate rack between each use. The Rack's can be separated from the electronic base, in turn allowing the user to apply: FIG. (04, 05, 06) a. Decontamination solutions that do not interact with the composite material of the rack. b. The electronic rack base containing the LED's, proximity switches, relay boards, and computer components are sealed. This will all users to wipe the base down with a decontamination solutions, but not submerge.
 6. The Spec Trac electronic base is modular to allow replacement of any malfunctioning part. FIG. (03,04,05) a. The LED's, switches, relay board(s), computer board(s), and USB connectors will be readily modular to allow quick replacement. 